Authorities have arrested many suspects connected to a large-scale drug trafficking organization that allegedly shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Puerto Rico to Berks County, Pennsylvania, via the United States Postal Service (USPS). The concerted investigation, which began in January 2025, resulted in major seizures of narcotics, firearms, and cash.
The Incident: Cocaine Trafficking Through U.S. Mail
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The Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced at a press conference that the Berks County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) discovered a sophisticated narcotics operation that used U.S. mail shipments to smuggle drugs from Puerto Rico into Pennsylvania.
Officials claim the enterprise delivered kilograms of cocaine throughout Berks County while also trafficking methamphetamine via a network of collaborators.
The case came to light after officials saw unusual parcels arriving from Puerto Rico, initiating an investigation into the local distribution network.
Investigation and Evidence: Multi-Agency Operation
The investigation, which began in January 2025, included undercover drug purchases, court-authorized wiretaps, and surveillance activities carried out by state troopers, county detectives, DEA agents, and US Postal Inspectors.
On October 20, police enforcement executed synchronized search warrants at numerous properties and vehicles associated with the operation, including:
- 549 & 547 Linden Street, Reading, PA
- 2310 Fraver Drive (Kings Inn, Room #241), Reading, PA
- 1325 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA
- 708 N. 13th Street, Reading, PA
- 401 S. 11th Street (1 Stop Away Auto Sales), Reading, PA
- Comm Buena Vista 107, Calle Washington, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
- 1008 Penn Street (Way of Life Tattoo Studios), Reading, PA
- 715 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA
On October 22, further warrants were executed, targeting a black Acura MDX SUV and other addresses.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of bulk quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, 12 firearms, and large sums of U.S. currency, signaling the dismantling of a major regional narcotics pipeline.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The arrests resulted in corruption and drug trafficking allegations against several important suspects, including:
- Edwin Martinez-Rodriguez (33, West Lawn): Charged with corrupt organizations and drug offenses, held on $2,000,000 bail.
- Kelvin Rodriguez-Diaz (37, Reading): Charged with corrupt organizations and multiple drug offenses, held on $1,000,000 bail.
- Jonathan Pagan-Vega (42, Puerto Rico): Charged with corrupt organizations and drug offenses; currently not in custody in Berks County.
Additional suspects charged in the case are:
Osvaldo Reyes-Jimenez (30), Nelson Leon Sr. (56), Johnny Lopez-Suarez (39), Santos Torres-Rodriguez (49), Victor Sanchez Sr. (48), Henry Massa-Olmeda (45), Yessimalie Torres (39), Fernando Corona (42), Christopher Gottschall (50), David Serrano (36), Andre Pendergrass Sr. (55), Andre Pendergrass Jr. (34), Jason Greth (29), and Melissa Batterson (46).
Prosecutors say the defendants are facing charges for corrupt organizations, narcotics possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, and firearms violations.
Statements and Reactions from Authorities
During the news conference, officials described the operation as a “major interstate and international drug pipeline” that transported narcotics from the Caribbean to Pennsylvania communities.
“This investigation shows the extraordinary cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies,” said a Berks County District Attorney spokesperson. “Our team stopped a dangerous network that funneled large amounts of cocaine and meth into our streets.”
Authorities underlined the crucial role of the United States Postal Inspection Service in tracing suspected items linked to the plot and intercepting deliveries before they were distributed.
Background Context: Drug Trafficking from Puerto Rico to the Mainland
Law enforcement officials observed that Puerto Rico has traditionally been a crucial transit route for cocaine entering the United States mainland because of its territorial mail privileges, which allow parcels to pass through the postal system without being inspected by customs.
Over the last decade, DEA operations in Pennsylvania have reported a steady increase in drug shipments camouflaged in USPS parcels, which are frequently sent to low-profile addresses to evade discovery.
Investigators suspect the Berks County network was one of several gangs operating along the Northeast corridor, trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine originating in Puerto Rico.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Authorities confirmed that several individuals are still at large, including:
- Wesley Santiago (25)
- Emmanuel Rodriguez-Santos (39)
- Abraham Vega-Rodriguez (40)
- Andres Vazquez (28)
- Roberto Sandoval Jimenez (33)
The investigation is still active and ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to track down fugitives linked to the organization.
The Berks County Detectives Office is requesting anybody with information on the suspects to call 610-478-7171 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.
